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2014-2015 State 4-H Council Members Announced

AMES, Iowa — Forty Iowa youth officially began their new terms as State 4-H Council members at the closing ceremonies of the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference on June 26.

Members of State Council serve as ambassadors for the 4-H Youth Development program throughout the state and their local counties, said Brenda Allen, 4-H youth program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

To be considered for a council position, each 4-H’er submitted an application and participated in interviews as a part of the state 4-H recognition day last spring. Allen explained that the youth are selected based on their leadership and communication skills, as well as their potential to contribute to the larger group.

Council members volunteer at the Iowa State Fair and other statewide 4-H events throughout the year. One of their biggest responsibilities is to organize and implement the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“The members gain leadership and communication skills, both through training opportunities as well as through their responsibilities as committee chairs and representatives of the council at county and statewide events,” said Allen.

Another responsibility of council members as part of their role as ambassadors is to visit counties and share information with youth regarding opportunities beyond county lines. They also coordinate, promote and oversee the 4-H’ers for 4-H fundraising campaign.

“The State 4-H Council strengthens the 4-H Youth Development program because they are able to connect and share with their peers some of the exciting programs, experiences and information relevant to today’s teens,” said Allen. “They also provide feedback to the state 4-H office so we get a real perspective from current 4-H’ers when implementing programming and making plans for the future.”

Council members attend multiple retreats throughout the year that are focused on developing leadership, citizenship, communication and personal life skills while also providing opportunities to work as a team and make friends. “One of my personal goals was to expand my confidence,” said Hannah Al-Mazroa, State 4-H Council member from Madison County. “Being on State Council has helped me be able to talk in front of a large audience and easily spark a conversation with a stranger.”

“My experience on State Council has helped me grow as a person,” said Al-Mazroa. “At the very first retreat I knew no one, but now when I see a State Council member I think of them as family.” This will be Al-Mazroa’s second year as a State 4-H Council member.

The State 4-H Council members represent all parts of Iowa. The council members work to give back to their communities and help 4-H Youth Development best serve the youth of Iowa.